END OF AN AIR-A

Terrence E. Armour, Tribune Staff WriterCHICAGO TRIBUNE

They chose their words carefully Tuesday as they left the Berto Center, almost as if they didn't really believe the news. Even if what they were reading in the papers, hearing on the radio and seeing on television were true, Michael Jordan's teammates and friends wanted the official word to come from him.

That should happen Wednesday. Jordan, the Bulls and officials from the NBA will conduct a joint news conference at the United Center, where Jordan, 35, is expected to announce he is retiring from pro basketball after 13 seasons, 10 scoring titles, six championships and five Most Valuable Player awards.

It will be the second time in slightly over five years Jordan has made such an announcement, but this time it will be delivered with finality. Whereas he left the door open for his eventual return when he retired in 1993, this time Jordan likely will close the door for good on his illustrious career.

Jordan already has told a few people of his intentions, and some of the players on hand at the Bulls' practice facility in Deerfield on Tuesday--the second day of unsupervised workouts since the NBA lockout ended last week--have talked with him.

Still, they preferred to keep their thoughts on Jordan's future to themselves for the most part, pending Wednesday's official announcement.

"I'm happy if he has decided to end it," said former Bulls assistant Johnny Bach, a Berto Center visitor Tuesday. "He's ending on such a beautiful note. I've seen too many athletes in my lifetime not go out at the right time."

Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and General Manager Jerry Krause declined to discuss Jordan's future, withholding comment until Wednesday's news conference. Tim Floyd, who likely will be named the Bulls' new coach Wednesday, also declined comment, as did longtime Jordan sidekick Scottie Pippen, a free agent whose future with the team could hinge on Jordan's announcement.

Charlotte Hornets guard B.J. Armstrong, a close friend of Jordan's who was part of the Bulls' first three championship teams, said the news didn't come as a shock.

"I said before that I'd be really surprised if he came back to play," Armstrong said. "I think this is probably what's best for him. If that's what's best for him, then I think we're all happy for him."

Luc Longley is one of the Bulls' 10 free agents, and he has hinted that his return to the Bulls might be tied to Jordan's. Regardless, this is the perfect time for Jordan to retire, Longley said--he'll be best remembered for walking away after hitting the shot that beat Utah in Salt Lake City last June and gave the Bulls their third straight NBA title, the sixth in eight years.

"We always anticipated this and in a lot of ways I think it's a good way for a change," Longley said. "The way that Michael finished and the way the team went, if he finished now, that wouldn't be all bad.

"But I think it's a bit premature. I'd like to hear it from the man himself."

Jordan has mentioned retirement quite a few times over the past two years, ever since he tied his return to the return of coach Phil Jackson, who isn't coming back to the Bulls. Jordan was involved in the early stages of the NBA's labor talks, then backed away.

Some who are close to him say Jordan hasn't been working out, spending his free time playing golf and smoking cigars. Given his maniacal dedication, no one expects him to commit to a season for which he hasn't adequately prepared.

Teammate Steve Kerr said he got the feeling Jordan was finished back in June, shortly after the Bulls completed their second three-peat. It was probably the most demanding of their six title runs, with seven hard games against Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals followed by a tough six-game series with Utah in the NBA Finals.

"He told us after the season that he didn't want to come back," Kerr said. "But at that point I don't know if any of us wanted to come back. We were kind of tired. I think after a summer, fall and winter of rest it's easy to be rejuvenated so everybody knew that he had that option to come back."

Instead, Jordan will leave the game on top, which teammate Dickey Simpkins said undoubtedly influenced him.

"I'm sure it's a tough decision for him," Simpkins said. "I'm sure he doesn't want to put this game down, being the person he is. But the way he's putting it down, being a winner and the man on top, you can't beat that."

Armstrong said other players in the league should be so lucky as to walk away from the game on top.

"He's the best. He's doing it his way," Armstrong said. "There's a part of me that's sad, but there's also a part of me that's happy to see him go out on top. Not many of us get a chance to do that."